THE UNLAWFUL THREAT AND DEPLOYMENT OF ARMED ACTION AGAINST THE SAPS BY A CERTAIN SANDF GENERAL

PRETORIA, WEDNESDAY, 21 May 2014

SANDU is utterly dismayed at the reports from several soldiers and policemen in Oudtshoorn to our Head Office, of a certain Army general who, whilst allegedly intoxicated, unlawfully mobilised armed soldiers and armoured infantry fighting vehicles in order to free a senior ranking SANDF officer and several other soldiers, arrested in a police raid on a notorious illegal shebeen, in Bongilethu on Saturday night, from police custody.

SANDU is equally dismayed at the fact that the SANDF has up to now failed to take any measures to deal with the army General involved in what can only be described as military backed armed insurrection against the SAPS. In fact, even if steps are taken now, it would only be because this incident has been exposed in the media. We challenge the Chief of the SANDF to illustrate that management members are not treated differently from the ordinary rank and file, who often get suspended for alleged minor infringements. The force and speed with which the military management targeted the officers in the Guptagate affair, as opposed to the current lack of action, shows bias in favour of political expediency and party political interests.

SANDU is informed that soldiers in Oudtshoorn were warned by military authorities to remain silent about this incident or face disciplinary measures. We demand that the SANDF immediately suspends the general involved and investigate charges of intimidation and sedition against him. Clearly his conduct displays utter abuse of rank and the belief that he is above the law. In addition, his conduct illustrates that he cannot be trusted in a position of military authority and that he is irresponsible and dangerous, being in command of military personnel and equipment.

Should the SANDF fail to take steps against the general involved, SANDU will lay charges of sedition against him in the public interest and pursue the matter to its full finality.

Statement issued by Adv JG (Pikkie) Greeff, SANDU national secretary, May 21 2014

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